Ice cream weather is here! Fewer things are more enjoyable than the simple pleasure of a sweet icy treat on a hot day (contrary to popular belief, we do have them!)
There was a time when a ‘99’ with sprinkles on top was the ultimate ice cream treat, but now there is so much choice, you could almost try a different flavour every day.
Discover new and old favourites, pick your cone and your topping and find yourself a scenic patch to enjoy it - we recommend heading to the seaside with your best picnic blankets and maybe a few additional snacks, in case you eat it before you get there! In no particular order, here are a few suggestions to get those taste buds tingling.
Morelli's
For five generations, the Morelli family has made award winning ice cream using fresh double cream and butter from the historic Ballyrashane Creamery. An institution in the towns of Portrush and Portstewart, holidaymakers and locals alike frequent their parlours to enjoy an exciting range of classic and unique flavours including Carmelised Hazelnut, Oreos and Cream and Dime Bar Crunch. Morelli’s is also available in several locations throughout Northern Ireland, and can now even be found in some supermarkets for those who fancy a little taste of the Causeway Coast without having to leave the house. Dairy-free flavours are available too!
Braemar Farm
Priding themselves on their artisan ice-cream making techniques, Braemar Farm ice-cream comes courtesy of the Pollock family farm, in the seaside village of Castlerock. You’ll find them serving up “fresh, natural and udderly scrumptious” cones from their trailer located along Castlerock’s beach front. You’ve got to try the Cherry Crumble and Biscoff flavours. Ice-cream and beach walks are the ultimate combination!
Moo Town Creamery
Having already enjoyed phenomenal success in the short time since its opening, Moo Town Creamery in Limavady has seen locals queuing the length of the town’s Catherine Street to get their sugary pick-me-up. Using Braemar Farm’s ice-cream products, Moo Town Creamery are experts in serving up indulgent desserts featuring heaps of toppings and sauces, as well as luxury milkshakes, brownies, cookies and more.
The Frozen Spoon
Sundaes, waffles, cookies, brownies and cupcakes – need we say any more? The team over at The Frozen Spoon have all angles covered when it comes to your after-dinner dessert fix. The only difficulty you’ll have when you visit the Frozen Spoon in Dungiven town is choosing what to have, therefore there can only be one solution: sample one of everything! Those gooey brownies look too good not to indulge in.
Route 66
Having enjoyed success from their traditional ice cream van in the local community, the team at Route 66 are now reaping the rewards of opening their very own dessert shop in the town of Limavady. These ice-cream enthusiasts are particularly proud of their bubble waffle cone. Made famous by food bloggers from around the world, this street-style dessert comprises a sweet fluffy waffle, scoops of your favourite ice-cream flavours, and lashings of toppings and dessert sauces. You have to try one!
Maud’s
This award-winning ice cream brand has a fascinating family history behind it and a long list of accolades to its name, including the much coveted Champion of Champions award at the National Ice-Cream Alliance competition - a tremendous accomplishment! Maud’s ice-cream parlours can be found in four different locations in the Causeway Coast and Glens area: Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Portrush and Portstewart. Will you go for The Good, the Bad and the Nutty or the exotic Turkish Delight? Decisions, decisions!
The Dessert Bar
This haven of sweet treats is the pride of Ballycastle’s oldest ice-cream family. Sugary waffles, donuts topped with ice cream, and a plethora of traditional sweets all await you at The Dessert Bar. Located by Ballycastle’s seafront and marina, this ice-cream trip makes for a lovely afternoon out! Once we finish writing this blog post, we’re hopping in the car and heading to Ballycastle for dessert by the seaside.
Roughan's Gelato
Fancy authentic Italian-style gelato on the Causeway Coast? Look no further! The presentation of these incredible flavours by Roughan’s in Portstewart is impressive in its own right, but the taste? Bellissimo! An extensive range of vegan and dairy-free flavours is available including Biscoff, blackcurrant, pistachio and many more. Not your average alternatives, we think you’ll agree.
Mullin's
When you think of childhood summers, what image comes to mind? For some of us, it’s grabbing a gooey honeycomb ice-cream at the local petrol station on a hot summer’s evening, and taking the long way back to feel the sun on our skin for just a few minutes longer. Mullin’s have been supplying local shops and parlours with their delicious ice-creams for almost 70 years, having been founded in the rural countryside of Kilrea in 1954. You can visit their parlour in the village, or find stockists across the country on their website.
Lime Ice Cream Bar
This ice-cream bar in the town of Ballymoney is actually much more than its name would suggest. Not only does it serve up the finest of sundaes and milkshakes using award-winning Maud’s ice-cream, but they also provide a wide range of other sweet treats, savoury snacks and picnic boxes! After all, not everyone’s sweet tooth strikes at the same time – so you can chow down on a tasty and traditional lunch of soup and sandwiches, while the rest of the family get their daily dairy intake. Talk about an all-rounder!
Jonesy’s
A summer’s day of exploring the Causeway Coast’s attractions should always end on a high-note (or begin with one, if you intend on having ice-cream for breakfast – we don’t judge). Located at Bishop’s Gate, Castlerock, and close to the iconic ruins of Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, the friendly crew at Jonesy’s Sweets & Treats are on-hand to help you cool down after an exciting day of exploring with award winning ice-cream from Maud’s and delicious traybakes!
Whatever ice-cream parlour you choose to get your scoop from, we guarantee you won’t be disappointed – the friendly faces and families behind each of these ice-cream institutions are passionate about what they do and it shows in both their taste and presentation. What flavour will you choose?
